LSU Coach Les Miles focused on North Texas, Tropical Storm Isaac

BATON ROUGE -- LSU Coach Les Miles said his team had a good preseason camp and is ready to play heaing into the opening vs. North Texas on Saturday but is keenly aware of Tropical Storm Isaac.

"Coincidentally, it was North Texas, the exact same setup and a very novice LSU coach in this position seven, eight years ago," Miles said, referring to his first game at LSU as Hurricane Katrina bore down on New Orleans in similar fashion to Isaac. "We had great leadership and the decisions were made quickly to benefit all. I expect that will happen again if need be."

LSU has set up the Maddox Indoor Field House as a hurricane evacuation site for people with medical or special needs, the school said Monday. There will be medical staff and 300 beds and food at the ready.

MINGO IMPROVING: Heading into the first week of the season, Miles said he could tab any number of players as LSU's "Most Improved," but singled out junior defensive lineman Barkevious (Keke) Mingo.

"Keke improved routinely last fall," Miles said. "When they come back to the fall, they've done this once, they recognize things more quickly."

"(Freshmen linebackers) Kwon Alexander, Deion Jones, I think those two guys by in large have taken coaching fast enough to get to the field," Miles said. "As much as anything, that's the key piece. All six guys are talented guys."

Also of note on the depth chart is freshman Jalen Mills filling in for dismissed Tyrann Mathieu at left cornerback.

"I think Mills and (Jalen) Collins will both play a lot of football," Miles said. "Both guys can play. What I expect from them is to play like we've always played."

IT'S ACADEMIC: Junior running back Michael Ford and junior linebacker Tahj Jones are in jeopardy of missing opening-week action for academic reasons. Miles said both are going through the appeal process and won't know if they're eligible to play until later in the week.